Grandfather Nicolas Toledo Is Remembered For 'Saving' Family After Shots Rang Out

Nicolas Toledo lost his life when a 4th of July parade in Highland Park, Chicago, turned into a scene of terror and tragedy. And in doing so, he saved several other members of his family.

Nicolas Toledo, who was in his 70s, came to Chicago to visit his family. And like so many in the Illinois area, the family celebrated the 4th of July by attending a parade in Highland Park.

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The grandfather usually got around with a walker. But given the crowd gathered at the parade, the family pushed him around in his wheelchair that day. And as the band played and decorative floats passed by, Nicolas's granddaughter, Xochil Toledo, remembers her grandfather's joy during the event.

“He was so happy,” she recalled. “Happy to be living in the moment.”

Sadly, however, the family's joy soon turned to terror as a gunman opened fire on the crowd from a rooftop.

WATCH: Mass Shooting At 4th Of July Parade In Highland Park, Ohio

As shots first rang out, Nicolas Toledo and his family didn't know right away exactly what was happening. It's easy to imagine the initial gunfire being mistaken for some type of parade activity.

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However, as the bullets began hitting innocent bystanders, it became clear something horrible was taking place. And in the midst of all of the chaos, three bullets struck and killed Nicolas Toledo.

Grandfather, Nicolas Toledo, Shot During Parade

The man's granddaughter, Xochil, remembers her father getting shot in the arm while trying to shield Nicolas. Sadly, though, he couldn't protect the grandfather in the wheelchair. Nicolas lost his life, but kept the bullets from killing any of his loved ones.

“He was the one who saved all of our lives," Xochil explained. "It would have gone to me, my boyfriend, or my cousins."

Nicolas Toledo was one of seven people killed during the Highland Park mass shooting. Over 30 people ranging from 8 years old to 85 were injured. And the horrific incident left everyone stunned.

“We were all in shock,” Xochil Toledo recalled. “We were crying, we couldn’t believe all that had happened -- we couldn’t breathe.”

The family of Nicolas Toledo is understandably devastated over the loss of their sweet grandfather. And while no one should have lost their lives that day, I'm sure Nicolas would at least find peace in knowing his death protected the ones he loved so dearly.

“He was a sweet, caring grandfather,” his granddaughter said. “He wanted only the best for his kids and grandchildren.”

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Our prayers go out to all who were impacted by this senseless tragedy. 

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

WATCH: Grandfather Nicolas Toledo Dies Saving Family

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h/t: Newsner

Featured Image Credit: Youtube/FOX 32 Chicago

Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!